Effect of nano-hydroxyapatite and ozone on approximal initial caries: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of three methods of enamel remineralization on initial approximal caries: (1) a nano-hydroxyapatite gel, (2) gaseous ozone therapy, (3) combination of a nano-hydroxyapatite gel and ozone. Patients (n = 92, age 20–30 years) with initial approximal enamel lesions on premolar and molar teeth (n = 546) were randomly allocated to three groups subjected to a 6-months treatment: Group I: domestic nano-hydroxyapatite remineralizing gel, group II: in-office ozone therapy, group III: both domestic remineralizing gel and ozone therapy. Caries lesions were assessed on bitewing radiographs at baseline, after 1 year and after 2 years. At one-year follow-up, the smallest rate of lesions with remineralisation (36.5%) was found in group I, and the highest (69.3%)—in group III. In group III a significant remineralisation was noticed in after 1 year and then a demineralisation after 2 years. Thus nano-hydroxyapatite gel and ozone therapy exert some capacities to remineralize approximal enamel and dentine subsurface lesions of premolar and molar teeth. Moreover, the combination of both methods produces the best effect compared to nano-hydroxyapatite or ozone therapy applied alone. However, the treatment should be continued for a long time in order to achieve nonrestorative recovery of caries.